Security Officer Jobs in Atlanta

Security Officer Roles in Atlanta

Buckhead is the center of Atlanta luxury retail, and assignments there include Buckhead Village, Phipps Plaza and Lenox Square. Officers also work at Ponce City Market and along the BeltLine, Avalon in Alpharetta and Perimeter Mall, and staff lobbies in Midtown and Buckhead office towers, residential buildings and events.

Because Phipps Plaza, Lenox Square and Buckhead Village sit close together, organized theft crews can move between them quickly. Officers who communicate well with mall security, neighboring stores and police are especially valuable. Atlanta also hosts major sporting events, conventions and concerts through the year, which brings event weekends with larger teams and detailed briefings. Corporate headquarters in Midtown and Buckhead rely on officers for consistent lobby coverage and visitor management.

What McCray Offers Officers

• Weekly pay for every officer.
• Medical, dental and vision coverage and a 401(k) with match for eligible employees.
• Advancement to supervisor and management roles based on performance, qualifications and available positions.
• Roles from entry-level officer posts to Tier III positions for retired law enforcement officers with 20 or more years of sworn service. See the Officer Classification Program.

Before assignment, officers complete McCray’s five-stage screening process and tier-based training, including de-escalation and, for retail posts, organized retail crime recognition.

Georgia Security Officer Requirements

In Georgia, the Georgia Board of Private Detective and Security Agencies, under the Secretary of State, licenses security companies rather than individual unarmed officers. According to the Board, unarmed security guards are not required to be registered. Private security officers must still complete a basic training program with a minimum of 24 hours of classroom instruction, and officers complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years. Requirements change, so applicants should confirm current rules with the regulator before applying. This summary is general information, not legal advice.

Additional Requirements for Armed Officers

Armed officers in Georgia must be at least 21, be registered with the Board by their employer and hold a Board-issued weapon permit. They complete weapons training and must qualify with the weapon they carry on duty with a minimum score of 80 percent, followed by periodic requalification. Fingerprinting for the background check is completed through Fieldprint. McCray assigns armed posts only after a review of the site’s risk, lease and insurance requirements.

What McCray Looks For

McCray looks for officers who are reliable, use sound judgment and communicate clearly. In Atlanta that means staying in close radio and phone contact with mall security and nearby stores, handling large event crowds calmly, and keeping complete written records. Buckhead luxury posts call for a courteous, professional manner with clients, and office posts call for officers who follow visitor procedures consistently.

How to Apply

Open positions are listed on the McCray careers portal, hosted by ADP. Not every location has openings at all times. Applicants can check the portal for current openings in the Atlanta area, select a position and apply online.

The recruiting team reviews each application and contacts qualified candidates. Questions can be sent to hr@mccraygp.com, and more about working at McCray is on the Careers page.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do applicants need a license before applying?

Georgia does not require unarmed security guards to register with the Board, but every private security officer must complete basic training of at least 24 classroom hours. Armed officers must be registered by their employer and hold a weapon permit. Questions can be sent to hr@mccraygp.com.

What continuing education does Georgia require?

Security officers complete 8 hours of continuing education every two years, and armed officers also requalify with their weapon.

What is required for armed posts in Atlanta?

Armed officers must be at least 21, be registered by their employer, hold a Board weapon permit and qualify with a minimum score of 80 percent. McCray assigns armed posts only after a review of each site’s requirements.

Are there openings in Atlanta right now?

Not every location has openings at all times. Applicants can check the careers portal for current openings in the Atlanta area.